Top 7 Best 25 Keys MIDI Controller Keyboard 2022

Introduction

Hello, I know, you are a new and emerging music producer here looking for the best 25 keys MIDI Controller Keyboard to give your career a push. Well, you can’t go looking for the 49 or 88 key MIDI Controller keyboards if you are just beginning.

When you are on a budget and looking for upgrading your skills, the MIDI keyboard is one of the compulsory products.

Today, here in this guide, I’m going to give you the complete information about the top 7 Best 25 keys MIDI Controller Keyboards that will give you the best quality at a most reasonable value.

But before entering into the list, I would like to let you know what MIDI Controller Keyboard is, Why is 25 Key MIDI Controller Keyboard is helpful, and Who should choose it.

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What is Midi Controller?

The full form of MIDI is Musical Instrument Digital Interface. So basically, it is an instrument that transfers the data into already MIDI-enabled devices to produce sounds in a controlled parameter. This is how music is made using MIDI Keyboard.

Unlike Piano or Digital Keyboards, MIDI Controllers do not have any sound of their own. Whenever a person presses any key of MIDI Keyboard, data is released from it and passes through the Software which produces the music. The Synthesizer produces Music that gets amplified through the Studio Monitors.

Using Piano, we can only produce a single type of sound that it already has of its own. But with the help of MIDI Keyboard, there is no limit to variations in the sound. It all depends on the Synthesizers and how you want your music to sound.

Why Choose 25 Keys MIDI Controller Keyboard

When you are out there, looking for the MIDI Controllers, the thought must have come to your mind that how many keys MIDI should I choose or, if you’ve decided to buy the 25 key MIDI, then why the 25 keys.

Let me make it easy for you. There are various plus points of a 25 Key MIDI keyboard when compared to others. Below I’ve mentioned some:

Portable

Using MIDI Controller Keyboards that are big and heavy, you know that you can’t use them anywhere you like. You need two-person to move them from one place to another.

Due to its smaller size and lighter weight, the 25 Keys MIDI Keyboard is much easier and comfortable for use from any place.

If you are a person who likes to travel a lot or needs to travel due to work, this is the best option for you. At the beginning of a career in music, some people don’t leave their job. So these compact MIDIs would be the best suit for them.

Keep it in your bag, and along with your laptop, you can start making music whenever you feel like it.

Easy To Use

Easy to use or Easy to handle, both are the same. You can use it anywhere you need by just connecting your laptop to it. Due to fewer keys, there is a proper difference between the keyboard and controller.

Being light in weight, you can carry it wherever you want in your bag. Also, you don’t need big guides as you need big keys MIDI Controllers.

Different Feel

If you are a piano player and be playing that for a long time, getting a 25 Key MIDI Controller keyboard is going to feel different when you use it.

And sometimes it’s necessary. The different and new feelings generate more variety compositions and creativity.

Limitations of Using 25 Key MIDI Controller

Now you’ve seen the benefits till now that doesn’t mean, they will give you everything you need to be a music producer. There are also some limitations while using the 25 key Controller.

The most important drawback while using the smaller-sized keyboards is that they are going to lack in giving you the proper feel of the piano.

Although smaller ones are used just as a controller, sometimes while using them to play chords, you are going to miss the number of keys.

Things To Consider Before buying them

Once you’ve decided to buy the best 25 Keys MIDI Controller Keyboard, there are various things that are needed to keep in mind before buying the 25 key MIDI Controller Keyboard.

There are various features in a MIDI Controller that you might need in your music production process. Maybe you don’t know about them, but having the knowledge will benefit you for not missing any properties of the keyboard.

Below is the list of the things you need to consider before buying the 25 key MIDI controller keyboard.

1. No. Of Keys

While buying the MIDI Keyboards, the number of keys is the most important fact that should not be missed. You need to decide whether the 25 key MIDI is enough for you, or you need to go for a higher number.

If you think you need some more keys under your finger, don’t hesitate to think twice. But if there’s doubt about it, you can choose the 25 keys MIDI controller.

Many music producers are piano players themselves. If you are the one among them and do not want the change in environment, you can go for the higher number of keys, but if you need a change in your production, choose this 25 key MIDI.

2. Controllers Mapping

There is a new feature added to the new 25 Keys MIDI controller keyboards. The feature is called controller mapping. With the help of controller mapping, you can interface your software with your keyboard.

The next song that you choose, can be mapped and any effects or sounds can be added by integrating the tracks from your keyboard.

With the help of Controller mapping, you can bring versatility flexibility to your track by adding some more effects to them.

3. Drum Pads

The one thing that lacks in larger budget and higher-numbered keys controller keyboard is the Drum Pads. You can find them easily on the 25 key MIDI keyboards.

The most important use of the drum pads is that you have total control over the drum mixes. If you want total control from an external device, the drum pads are a must. The 25 key MIDI keyboard is going to add up the arrangement that you are looking for.

With the help of pads, you can simulate the samples of drums very easily. And that is why we need a MIDI keyboard, to make our work effortless. Right?

4. Daw Dedicated

There are some controllers in the market that comes with free software. The software that is included with it is mostly VST or DAW.

When you are creating music on your controller, VSTs will come as your best friend in making your work easier. Whereas DAWs are basically your command center. You will have to do most of your work inside it.

So there are various MIDI Controller Keyboards that come with dedicated Software. The DAWs include Abelton Live, FL Studio, Cubase, etc.

5. Weighted Keys

While looking dor the MIDI COntroller keyboards, you definitely don’t want to compromise on the quality of the product.

There is a term called weighted keys, which means the keys that are given in the controller, are of high quality. The spring is attached to every key at the bottom which gives the keys a quality touch feeling.

Weighted keys do not make an unwanted sound that comes when clicked keys. So weighted keys are one of the things to look at while purchasing the MIDI Controller Keyboards.

6. Aftertouch

Aftertouch is the feature that helps to give your track a number of effects to beautify it. There are keyboards that are filled with this feature, which contains ample pre effects in order to give your sound even more feel.

The aftertouch comes either in two different forms; Channel or Polyphonic Aftertouch. Channel aftertouch sends only a single aftertouch message no matter how much is the puncture of keys, But the Polyphonic sends an individual message each time you press the keys.

Top 7 Best 25 Keys MIDI Controller Keyboard

Enough of giving the knowledge about the Midi Keyboards. Let’s dive into the list of Top 7 Best 25 Keys MIDI Controller Keyboard

Top 7 Best 25 Keys MIDI Controller Keyboard

1. NEKTAR SE25

Cheapest of all, toughest of all

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Specifications

Type Of Keys: Synth Mini-Keys
Velocity Sensitivity: Yes
Pads: No
Other controllers: PB1, PB2 (assignable to Pitchbend, Pan, Transpose), S Buttons (sustain, modulation)
Presets: Not Specified
Pedal Inputs: Not Specified
Computer Connectivity: USB
Signal to Noise Ratio: 74dB, 1kHz at 1Pa
Software: Bitwig Studio 8-track
Power supply: USB bus-powered

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Build quality is fairly well
• Long USB cable Type-C
• Low Price

Cons

• Not good as XLR

Discription

One of the best 25 Key MIDI Controller Keyboards that is preferred by every new as well as a professional music producer. The size of the keyboard is small and that means you won’t face any problem packing it and doing a tour with it. You can easily pack it with your laptop and whenever you feel like using it, just open your bag and pick the beautiful MIDI keyboard out.

If you produce music on your laptop, this is the best 25 key MIDI controller for you to be ready-packed. When you compare it to others, you’ll find about its lightweight and can be fixed anywhere.

Being some good points about Nektar SE25, there also are negative points that should be kept in mind.

Being so small in size, the place for other things, other controllers remains nil, for example, there are no pads. And also there are other controls over the MIDI Keyboard like Pitchband and a transpose model, it becomes difficult to control them with huge fingers.

Using this Nektar SE25 on stage, you won’t find it easy to use. The process you could find a little tricky.

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2. Novation Launchkey MINI MKIII

Lightweihgt is what makes this mic different

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Specifications

Type Of Keys: Mini-key, Synth-action
Velocity Sensitivity: Yes
Pads: 16 x Velocity-sensitive RGB Pads
Other controllers: Pitchbend Touch Strip, Modulation Touch Strip
Presets: Not Specified
Pedal Inputs: 1 x 1/4″ (sustain)
Computer Connectivity: USB
Signal to Noise Ratio: 74dB, 1kHz at 1Pa
Software: Ableton Live Lite, AAS Session Bundle, Additional Bundled Plug-ins
Power supply: USB bus-powered

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Cheap and Affordable
• great sound reading
• build quality is good

Cons

• Does not provide Pop filter
• Lacks shock mount
• The self-noise level is quite loud

Discription

The most important value of the MIDI controller we get while buying is if it provides us the full feel of the piano. Some producers want to get this feeling in their first purchase itself.

Well, this Novation Launchkey Mini MKIII is for you. Sustain pedal is provided with the bundle although being the smallest in size.

If you are the one who uses MIDI Keyboards for live shows or for general use at home for producing music, this is good for both.

The modes in this MIDI, are clever and more different than others that come in the same price range. The additional controls help you to bring out your creativity even more beautifully.

If we talk about the drawbacks of the Novation Launchkey Mini MKIII, these are suitable for just Ableton live, while with the rest of DAWs, you need to do some extra hard work.

Another beautiful thing about this MIDI Controller keyboard is that you get some amazing VSTs that you could use to play.

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3. Artura Minilab MKII

Everytime you’ll get new things to love about it.

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Specifications

Type Of Keys: Synth Mini-Keys
Velocity Sensitivity: Yes
Pads: No
Other controllers: PB1, PB2 (assignable to Pitchbend, Pan, Transpose), S Buttons (sustain, modulation)
Presets: Not Specified
Pedal Inputs: Not Specified
Computer Connectivity: USB
Signal to Noise Ratio: 74dB, 1kHz at 1Pa
Software: Bitwig Studio 8-track
Power supply: USB bus-powered

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Programmed Nicely Arturia’s MIDI Software
• Includes Ableton Live Lite
• Fair with the price range
• Portable

Cons

• Slim Keys maybe not be suitable for some
• Installing the software may need a little hard work

Discription

The build quality of this lovely MIDI does really stand out from the other competitors. The bundle that comes with the pack consists of around 5000 presets. Those presets are taken from Arturia’s V collection.

Artura MIDI controller comes with the Analog Lab which allows you to explore thousands of sounds all day without repeating any twice. So basically, you can spend an endless time finding the great sound that suits your music.

The keys you’ll get on the Keyboard are slim and light. The keys contain two octaves that other normal 25 key MIDI controller keyboards generally do.

The connectivity options you get with this MIDI are quite normal and easy to use. There is a USB connection, that you can connect with your laptop.

But one thing you get in addition to its connection with the laptop is that you can also do the same with smaller power devices like your Phones or iPod. The result will be flawlessly awesome.

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4. Akai Professional Mini MKIII

Awsome build quality with the sound quality

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Specifications

Type Of Keys: Synth Mini-Keys
Velocity Sensitivity: Yes
Pads: No
Other controllers: PB1, PB2 (assignable to Pitchbend, Pan, Transpose), S Buttons (sustain, modulation)
Presets: Not Specified
Pedal Inputs: Not Specified
Computer Connectivity: USB
Signal to Noise Ratio: 74dB, 1kHz at 1Pa
Software: Bitwig Studio 8-track
Power supply: USB bus-powered

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Sensitive Keys and Pads are Easy to Use
• NO experience is required to play
• Perfect for beginners
• Supported by all types of devices

Cons

• You get the knobs that are quite small
• Missing Internal Fan
• The quality of keys feel little downstate

Discription

The next on the list of the Best 25 key MIDI controller keyboards is Akai Professional Mini MKII. Well, let me tell you in the beginning, this MIDI controller keyboard is for the use of both – Whether you wanna use it at your home, or you wanna take it for the live shows with you.

With the presence of a keyboard and drum pads, you will be able to bring out the versatility in you as it should be. Because for music producers, their instrument plays an important role.

Whether you are a Hip-hop artist or a Music producer who produces music like Adele, You are going to love it.

This Akai Professional Mini MKII will become your best friend once you purchase it.

The MIDI controller has the keys which are Velocity Sensitive Keys. This model also comes with VIP software. The Same software comes with larger keys MIDI of MPK.

So you don’t need to worry about the quality when you think of buying the smaller one. The features and functions are the same for all the music producers who want to create great music despite their budget.

You get a Signature Feature of the Akai MPK that comes with every MIDI controller keyboard and that is the BIG RED JOYSTICK.

The joystick is a 360-degree stick that gives you control over movements. The joystick you get is mapped to pitch bend inbuilt. But you can change the control options using the software to whatever you like.

Another good feature you get on this MIDI is the LED lights. I think they look quite engaging. Music producers need mood in order to think about new music. The lights could do that work for them of creating a favorable environment.

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5. Nektar Impact LX25+

Unique design which can be loved by some.

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Specifications

Type Of Keys: Synth Mini-Keys
Velocity Sensitivity: Yes
Pads: No
Other controllers: PB1, PB2 (assignable to Pitchbend, Pan, Transpose), S Buttons (sustain, modulation)
Presets: Not Specified
Pedal Inputs: Not Specified
Computer Connectivity: USB
Signal to Noise Ratio: 74dB, 1kHz at 1Pa
Software: Bitwig Studio 8-track
Power supply: USB bus-powered

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Supports all major DAWs
• Full-sized Touch-sensitive Keys
• Gives a transport control option
• Affordable

Cons

• Not weighted keys
• slightly weighted than others

Discription

Nektar Impact LX 25+ is here to offer you the best remote control for your DAW. Simply just plug in this MIDI controller with your computer or laptop and e ready to begin the new journey.

With the help of this MIDI, you get the best option to fill the gap between your hardware and software. Nektar Impact LX 25+ get connected with any DAW that you use.

Let me take you back to the time when Nektar released its series of MIDI controllers with both 49 and 61 keys. The market blew off with positive reviews about both of them.

It’s then, Nektar decided to bring their next pack – a 25 key MIDI Controller Keyboard. And trust me, in the price range of around $100, the talks were still positive.

The size of this MIDI is quite high than that of other competitors on the list of the best 25 Key MIDI controller keyboards.

The one advantage of this MIDI is that you get assignable fader and transport buttons. With the help of transport buttons, you can easily move between your DAW sessions quickly.

The keys you get with this controller are Velocity-sensitive synth-action keys. You don’t get any weighted or even semi-weighted keys under this budget. Not only on this MIDi, but you can’t get a fully weighted key MIDI controller keyboard on the market with a budget of around $100.

But again, if you are not a pianist and just started your career with the new MIDI, this weighted option may not discomfort you in any way. Because pianists would play the piano for a very long time and the fingers could get tired more quickly due to resistance you face every time when pressing them.

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6. Alesis VI25

Best for producers who often use drum pads

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Specifications

Type Of Keys: Synth Mini-Keys
Velocity Sensitivity: Yes
Pads: No
Other controllers: PB1, PB2 (assignable to Pitchbend, Pan, Transpose), S Buttons (sustain, modulation)
Presets: Not Specified
Pedal Inputs: Not Specified
Computer Connectivity: USB
Signal to Noise Ratio: 74dB, 1kHz at 1Pa
Software: Bitwig Studio 8-track
Power supply: USB bus-powered

Pros & Cons

Pros

• You get Semi-Weighted keys
• Lower price range

Cons

• Not so much softwares are provided with it.

Discription

Although this MIDI controller was the best recommendation in 2016, it hasn’t lost its charm in 202. I’m recommending this Alesis VI25 because there are some factors that you can think of while purchasing the best 25 key MIDI controller keyboard.

When you visit online to check the reviews of this MIDI controller, you will get most of them are positive. So a positive image could be kept in mind while looking about it. Alesis is best for touring purposes, so if you are a touring musician who needs a MIDI keyboard in their bag every time, this could be a good option for you.

Connecting the MIDI with a DAW is simply straightforward. You don’t have to watch a lot of tutorials for setting up. Simply just plug in it with your computer or laptop using a USB cable.

When you receive the MIDI controller at your, you are going to appreciate the quality at the price placed by the Alesis. So yes you can also go for it if you are looking for the best 25 key MIDI controller keyboard under your budget.

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7. ROLI Seaboard Rise 25

A Unique design that’s gonna make you fall in love

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Specifications

Type Of Keys: Synth Mini-Keys
Velocity Sensitivity: Yes
Pads: No
Other controllers: PB1, PB2 (assignable to Pitchbend, Pan, Transpose), S Buttons (sustain, modulation)
Presets: Not Specified
Pedal Inputs: Not Specified
Computer Connectivity: USB
Signal to Noise Ratio: 74dB, 1kHz at 1Pa
Software: Bitwig Studio 8-track
Power supply: USB bus-powered

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Very well designed
• The sound quality of the presets are impressive
• Equator & Strobe2 gives total control over the sound design

Cons

• Becoming used to the soft keys could take time
• You get no travel bag with it
• MIDI controller setup could be difficult for the first-timers

Discription

I’ve put the ROLI Seaboard RISE 25 under this list even after knowing the price is quite high and different from others in the list of the best 25 key MIDI controller keyboard, because of the quality of the product.

Many of you won’t buy this because of the budget issue, yet I wanted to make you familiar with the features of this MIDI controller. The Seaboard contains a unique perspective and lookout when we look onto other controllers with the same number of keys.

The controller is provided with complete touch-sensitive keys that you’ll feel good about when your figures touch it. You must have definitely been already familiar with the hype of the ROLI seaboard that could have motivated you to buy it at some point.

The best thing I like about ROLI is that I can go with it anywhere with full confidence and do a jam with my friends or even use it for live performances as it has all the major features you need for one. You get flexible use with this MIDI controller keyboard.

The design is unique from others and it gives a positive feeling when used. We musicians or music producers need something that could make us feel open and clean. The building design is structured in a way that gives this device a clean final touch. When you place your finger on it, simply you can’t resist yourself playing a melody.

The building design isn’t only something unique you get here, ROLI Seaboard RISE 25’s keys are monitored in such a way, it figures out the pressure you apply on the keys and according to that, it mimics the sound of the selected instruments. Suppose, you selected any guitar plugin and you are using the ROLI keyboard. Now when you press the keys with low pressure, the exact sound will come as you’ve pulled the string of a guitar softly.

Basically, you get keys on the normal MIDI controllers, but here you get the key waves. So if you have the budget, and are looking for something innovative and more featured controller, go for this one.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, I want to write that if you want to buy anything, look for the Best 25 key MIDI Controller Keyboard that suits your style. above, I have presented various options and given the information on which product is suitable to whom. Different people have different opinions. I just want to say follow your heart and GO FOR IT.